Suffolk Police crackdown on drivers who text and talk at the wheel
New mobile phone campaign launched in Suffolk.
Suffolk Police is backing a new national campaign called #StandingUpForHangingUp to target drivers still choosing to use their mobile while driving.
The campaign which launched on Monday 8th February runs through until Valentine's Day and is being led by the National Police Chiefs Council.
Officers from the local Roads and Armed Policing Team and Road-Casualty Reduction Team will be carrying out extra patrols as part of the crackdown.
Marked and unmarked cars and motorcycles, all fitted with cameras to gather evidence, and help secure successful prosecutions.
Since 2017, a driver caught using their phone at the wheel will automatically receive six points on their license and a ÂŁ200 fine.
Drivers can also be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention for using their phone when behind the wheel, particularly if caught filming, watching videos or browsing the internet.
Temporary Chief Inspector Jon Chapman, Head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "We know the vast majority of drivers agree that it is completely unacceptable to drive a car whilst using a mobile phone, however there is still a minority who continue to put the lives of others at risk.
"Although we continue to target these offences throughout the year, these campaigns give us the opportunity to target the #Fatal4 offences which make you more likely to be involved in a collision.
"The aim to improve road safety and reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
"Drivers who use a mobile phone at the wheel are four times more likely to be involved in a collision, are less likely to notice or react to hazards and tend to show poor lane discipline.
"A common misconception is that a handsfree device is a safe option. Recent research suggests that this can be equally as distracting and again lead to a higher chance of being involved in a serious or fatal collision.
"We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe and we are urging drivers to think twice and don't answer the phone whilst driving. It is not worth the risk."
Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, said: "Using a mobile phone at the wheel is reckless and costs lives, so I fully support this #StandingUpforHangingUp campaign.
"It absolutely horrifies me when I see drivers on their phones but sadly we still see it far too often.
"I implore every driver tempted to use their phone whilst behind the wheel please, do not do it.
"It is against the law and if you are caught you will face a fine and points on your licence but more importantly you could kill or seriously injure someone, or yourself.
He added: "I know I have said it before, but the best way to improve safety on our roads is for every driver to remember the fatal four and put your phone out of reach, belt up, watch your speed and don't drink or take drugs if you are going to drive, that really shouldn't be so difficult."